4,513 HIV/Aids cases in Davao since ‘93
In the last 27 years, Davao City recorded a total of 3,312 HIV/Aids cases, the highest in Davao Region
FOR 27 years, Davao Region has recorded a total of 4,513 cases of the still-incurable human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/Aids).
According to the Department of Health-Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (DOH-Resu)-Davao Region data from 1993 to December 2020, Davao City has contributed the highest number of cases with 3,312, followed by Davao del Norte with 556, then Davao del Sur (242), Davao de Oro (200), Davao Oriental (141), and Davao Occidental (62).
Out of the total cases, 238 people living with HIV (PLHIV) succumbed to the virus.
Dr. Jordana P. Ramiterre, head of Davao City’s Reproductive Health and Wellness Center (RHWC), said the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic affected their office’s delivery of programs and services for the prevention of HIV/Aids, and for the treatment, care, and support to PLHIV especially during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
Ramiterre, however, said they have noted a gradual increase of individuals availing of their services, including the testing.
During the virtual commemoration of the 34th International Aids Candlelight Memorial (IACM) 2021 spearheaded by the Davao City Aids Council on May 14, 2021, Ramiterre said their office continues on improving its services and increasing the number of people accessing the services.
The IACM is observed every third Sunday in May to continuously raise awareness on HIV/Aids and to call on everyone’s actions and involvement to fight the disease and help reduce stigma and discrimination against PLHIV.
This year’s commemoration banners the theme: “We Remember. We Take Action. We Live Beyond HIV”.
“With this activity, it’s a global awareness and we still promote HIV and Aids (awareness), we need to fight the battle because it’s ongoing,” Ramiterre said.
The event also commemorates those who died and those working with the program, and those who are still fighting with the deadly virus. However, despite the restrictions, HIV/Aids Global Fund Project Regional Coordinator Patrick Albit said cases continue to increase due to easy access to sexual activities through social media, especially dating apps.
Although during ECQ, he said cases decreased due to limited movements brought about by the restrictions. But cases gradually increased when the quarantine restrictions were lowered down, and more establishments were allowed to operate.
“Kaning mga young people nato karon, mao ni siguro atong target sa atong program karon, aside sa (We are currently targeting the young people in our programs, aside from) young adults,” Albit said.
Albit said they have recorded 30 individuals who were “reactive” in the conducted tests during the first quarter of 2021, which need a confirmatory test.